India on 14 January 2026 advised its nationals currently in Iran to leave the country using available means of transport, including commercial flights, citing an evolving security situation. The advisory was issued by the Embassy of India in Tehran and applies to Indian students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists.
The embassy stated that the advisory follows an earlier warning issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2025 and reflects a reassessment of prevailing conditions. Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin were also advised to exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, remain in regular contact with the Indian mission, and closely monitor local media for developments.
The notice further requested Indian nationals to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identity cards, readily available and to contact the embassy for any required assistance. Such advisories are generally issued when governments perceive elevated risks to civilian safety and seek to ensure preparedness for possible contingencies.
India has previously issued similar advisories in situations involving regional instability or internal security concerns in foreign jurisdictions. While the embassy did not specify the nature of the developments prompting the renewed warning, the language used goes beyond routine travel caution and reflects heightened concern.
Under international diplomatic practice, advisories of this nature are intended to inform citizens of potential risks while enabling embassies to maintain contact and provide consular support if necessary. They do not constitute evacuation orders but may precede coordinated assistance if conditions worsen.
India maintains longstanding diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, including cooperation in energy and regional connectivity. The advisory did not include any criticism of Iranian authorities, consistent with New Delhi’s approach of issuing consular guidance without making political statements.
The development comes amid broader regional uncertainty in West Asia, where security conditions have remained fluid. For Indian nationals in Iran, the government’s message is one of caution and preparedness, urging voluntary departure while commercial travel options remain available.